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Rapid growth for UK-based Aztec Labels has prompted the company to install a second Nilpeter FB-3300 narrow web press to increase capacity. Like its first FB-3300, installed two years ago, Aztec’s latest Nilpeter press has six water-based flexographic units with interdeck hot air dryers and a maximum web width of 330 mm. Equipment includes a turner bar for reverse side printing, UV-flexo varnishing unit, and a split laminating unit.

According to owner/managing director Colin le Gresley, “Much of our recent growth has come from serving several large print management companies and developing good relationships with them. It means we have indirect access to many blue-chip accounts, and this work now makes up around 80 percent of our turnover.”

Aztec Label was formed 11 years ago by le Gresley and now has 12 employees. In January 2005, the company doubled the size of its factory and added new office space. Aztec produces a large variety of primary and secondary self-adhesive labels, as well as stock sheeted labels, variable data labels, thermal rolls, tags and tickets.

With the new press, it now operates four flexo presses, all of which are served by a wheel-up turret rewinder, fan folder, and sheeter to ensure a variety of on-line finishing options.

Additional Capacity Covered Le Gresley acknowledges that his first Nilpeter FB-3300 played a key role in Aztec’s success. “As a former press operator, I have had practical experience of several other narrow web types, but this particular model far outshines them in terms of productivity and quality.” He adds that an option has been taken out for a third FB-3300 for delivery later this year.